Merry Mints–The Energetics Of Mints

Merry Mints–The Energetics Of Mints

Basil, apple, sage and spearmint;

Oregano, catnip, pineapple and peppermint;

To many dishes their flavor they’ve lent;

Yet why is one not called merriment?

Grandma June grew a peppermint bush next the water spigot off her front deck. Content in its moist, rich soil and shaded in the afternoon, the plant grew to be a monster. There was no way to reach in and turn on the hose without stirring up the mint’s refreshing fragrance–or the bees if the plant was in bloom. Each year she lovingly harvested the mint to make teas or jelly as gifts or to be served with her favorite lamb dish.

In a burst of sentimentality, I planted a clump of mint next the water tap outside my back door. It’s an easy grab to add fresh mint to salads and soups or to make refreshing teas, hair rinses and other delights. And there’s an added bonus. Ants hate peppermint. So if you have a few pests in the spring consider a planting of mint, especially spearmint, lavender and penny royal along your home.

A little mint history

The aromatic presence of the mint family have be pleasing our senses for centuries. Mints (mentha) are a part of the lamiaceae or labiatae family, which is a very large family. It includes many of our favorite culinary herbs like basil, rosemary, oregano, sage and penny royal. Honestly, there is a bit of debate in the horticulture world as to where the mint family begins and ends, and what clearly defines a mint. However most herbalists and gardners recognize that there at least 25 species of mints and countless hybrids including the fun stuff like pineapple, ginger and chocolate mint.

We can track mint’s usage all the way back to Pliny the Elder in the 1st Century for the Europeans. It was used in religious and spiritual ceremonies, to aid digestion, to cleanse the breath and to relieve muscle aches and pains. The Chinese have been using the mint (bo he) for nearly 5,000 years and it holds starring roles in the treatment of colds, bronchial and sinus congestion, digestion and the treatment of Liver patterns and headaches.

Western nutritional highlights of mints

Nutritionally, mints don’t have an abundance of vitamins or minerals, rather its medicinal benefits come from its volatile oil menthol. Today, menthol is used extensively from topical muscle applications and shampoos to internal cold and digestive medicines and the flavorings in gums and mouthwashes. Did you know that Idaho grows a large amount of mint for the chewing gum industry?

Mint’s Eastern nutritional energetics and healing properties

Let’s start with what they all do and then go over some individual highlights for each mint.

Moves Liver Qi stagnation and aids the Gall Bladder– Our Livers love mint! If you are feeling the angst of the spring season, seemingly annoyed by everything, have a lovely spot of mint tea–please, for our sake. Perfect for angsty teens, too.

Benefits the Gall Bladder–Mints are very useful for gall stones, hepatitis, and colitis patterns, post-syndromes, hyperactive histamine conditions like hives and allergies.

Brighten the eyes and opens orifices of the head–Mints aromatic nature opens the sinuses and orifices of the head, clearing out phlegm and reducing swelling that may come with colds or allergies. A congested Liver may also create dry, red, and itching or over watering of the eyes. In short, keep your peepers pretty with mint. Headaches or muzzy thinking? Dab a little mint or rosemary onto your neck and occiput. Need more ideas to clear congestion?

Aids in digestion and assimilation–Mint’s role in digestion is long and well documented. Its strong aromatic nature stimulates the digestion, promotes bile movement, removes phlegm in the stomach and small intestines that can cause nausea.

Lifts the spirit–Aromatics move stagnation. Mint, in particular, are clear, lighten and relieve Liver qi congestion which can bog us down, leaving us feeling stuck and full of angst.

Opens the Lungs–Mint’s opens the brochials, throat and sinuses strongly. Use it in teas, steams or as a rub on the chest–remember Vick’s–of course, there are healthier forms of menthol rubs. Breath deep, now.

Vents rashes–Mint helps rashes likes measles, eczema, and chicken pox to ‘ripen and vent’ quickly. Also use it with hives and shingles. Use both internally and externally as a light wash.

Facilitates the menstrual flow and eases PMS–More movement of Liver qi constraint and congestion means less PMS and an easier cylcle.

Let’s look at the unique energetics a few favorite mints

Peppermint–Energetically– warm with a cooling secondary affect. Peppermint can boast all of the above listed skills and keep you smiling. It is stronger than some of the other mints and has a very clearing nature. If you are ‘hot headed’ make peppermint your friend.

Catnip–Yes, you read that right. I rarely use catnip to release exterior conditions, however, it is my favorite mint for treating babies with tummy troubles. Sutble and calming, catnip is fabulous for colic and children with weak or slow digestion. English nurses used it readily with babies during WWII. And I’ve seen it to be very successful in pulling babies off of GERD medications.

Spearmint–A little softer and gentler that peppermint, I use spearmint for more fragile systems like the elderly. Great for colds, flu, fevers and infections. Spearmint is also great for indigestion and nausea, and acid reflux.

Rosemary—Rosemary is a must in the garden and kitchen cupboard–and yes, technically a member of the mint family. Fabulous for colder constitutions, rosemary warms and invigorates. Read more on rosemary.

Seven ways to use mints

Drink it– Add mint into teas–hot or cold- or into mulled wines and ciders during the cooler months.

Eat it–. Use it in salad dressings or add it to pesto. Use it with any meats or fish. Add it to savory desserts or baked goods.

Use it as steams–Drop it into a pan of boiling water to make a clearing steam for your sinuses.

Use it in arrangements –To purify a ‘sick’ room or to invigorate the energy in the room. Make it into wreaths.

Make up a spritzer–Use water to spritz your face and scalp

Add it to baths–To fight of colds, flu, infection and to stimulate circulation and relieve pain.

2 Comments

Yes, skullcap is generally considered a member of the mint family. And it has similar properties. It’s a little more neutral of temperature compared to the cooler mints. And it’s a nervine that specifically targets the jaw and scalp muscles.

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